Cool KIDS' SUMMER Returns May 2026

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER (formerly “Cool Kid Summer”) returns to Walt Disney World May 26, 2026, and Disney is making sure the hype train is rolling. We’ve got dates for major updates and only a few spots still left to be filled on the calendar—let’s get talking about what we can expect from Cool KIDS’ SUMMER this year!

Basics of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

At its heart, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is an enigma. Well, no, it’s mostly a marketing effort with a touch of real-world razzmatazz. It’s summer by some other name, but one that smells just a tad sweeter because of it. Following?

Me neither. Fine—Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is a resort-wide event at Walt Disney World that will return May 26 to September 8, 2026. There are unique offerings as part of the event, and we’ll discuss those. But first…deals!

Deals Announced for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

As part of the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER promotional push, there are several deals to know about, including room-only deals covering May 1 through October 3, a special ticket option, and Free Dining. PLUS Kids Dine Free is still available for 2026.

What To Expect From Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

Now, onto what we can actually expect from Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. We don’t know if there will be any branded merchandise this year (there wasn’t last year), and some of these changes are sort of unrelated to Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at all…except they happen during summer.

With that said, let’s start with the major changes coming to the parks this summer:

All of these things are self-explanatory or discussed in the links. These are also changes that are going to exist beyond Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. But there are also some things that are exclusive to the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER timeframe, so let’s talk about those…

Water Park Paradise Returns for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

Fitting neatly into the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER timeframe is the return of the check-in day water park perk and days with both water parks open.

Guests of Disney resorts will have complimentary access to both water parks on their check-in days between May 26 and September 8, 2026. This has to be used on your check-in day (or not at all).

And that’s right—both water parks will be open again this summer. While Disney has mostly kept only one water park open at a time over the last few years, summer 2025 saw the return of both water parks being open, and we’ll get that arrangement again at least from May 26 to September 8, 2026.

GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall Returns to EPCOT

CommuniCore Hall is a flex space in EPCOT, and for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER it will again be transformed into “GoofyCore.” This is something of a dance-and-play party, with Goofy, a DJ, and a variety of games.

It’s worth mentioning here—there’s a reason it’s “Cool” KIDS’ SUMMER. Summer in Florida is not usually cool. So, along with the water park option, the philosophy behind the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER activities is to give people indoor or shaded places to cool off. And there’s a new one coming this year…

Jessie’s Roundup Debuts at Magic Kingdom

Taking over The Diamond Horseshoe restaurant at Magic Kingdom, “Jessie’s Roundup” will be a “rootin’ tootin’ good time” where you’ll have the chance to “craft, dance, and yodel your hearts out in this western revue” alongside Jessie, Woody, and friends.

Based on this description, it sounds like The Diamond Horseshoe won’t be operating as a restaurant this time—it’ll just be an indoor (“cool”) space for these activities. It wouldn’t be Cool KIDS’ SUMMER without just a tad of ambiguity as to exactly what things will look like, but it’s unlikely something like this is going to be behind a reservation wall.

Special Character Appearances Return

Characters will once again appear during Early Entry and guests at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Port Orleans Riverside will see special character appearances. (These are distinct from the character caravan, I guess).

Things I Haven’t Seen Mentioned Yet

There are a few elements of last year’s event that I haven’t seen mentioned yet:

  • “Kid Zones” at Magic Kingdom. Storybook Circus hosted a dance party “full of pop-up silliness with Pluto" alongside stilt walkers and jugglers. And in Tomorrowland, Rocket Tower Plaza Stage hosted a dance party with Stitch, and Merchant of Venus hosted an "out-of-this-world craft.”

  • Animal Kingdom Offerings (besides Bluey). It’s possible these are excluded because Animal Kingdom is getting Bluey, but last year Conservation Station hosted crafting, and there was a limited time Wilderness Explorers Badge

  • Animation Courtyard Offerings (besides the new debuts). This one is not surprising—Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios is in the midst of a huge renovation, so its not surprising to see the character greetings and other activities dropped this year.

My Commentary On Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

This section contains commentary from the initial announcement that Cool KIDS’ SUMMER would return. But I’ve replaced references to “Cool Kid Summer” with “Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.”

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER will return in 2026. Disney has not announced more than that yet, but I wanted to take this chance to add some some quick commentary.

Based on what I saw and experienced, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER actually was better than many commentators—myself included—were expecting. GoofyCore was an amazing indoor escape for families, and Get Animated! gave kids a chance to actually interact with their favorite characters.

There are a few reasons I’m hoping for a bit more from 2026:

  • Heading into 2026, I’d simply like to see Disney market and brand this better. At the very least, they had the summer to grab marketing content (photos, videos) so that should help. You can see a mid-summer marketing effort here.

  • And in 2026 they won’t be hampered by timing—the launch of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER coinciding with the debut of a brand new theme park from Universal, just down the street, sort of made everyone roll their eyes.

  • The 2025 event was awkwardly co-marketed with the launch of the two new shows at Hollywood Studios, plus some ticket deals. The ticket deals make sense, but I hope next year Disney gives Cool KIDS’ SUMMER its own clear purpose, distinct from any other happenings at the resort.

I’m excited to see what 2026’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER looks like, and I’ll be updating this post as more details are announced.

All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered

Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way. Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide!

When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!

Be sure to master your Disney World Lightning Lane Guide and Strategy a few weeks in advance. Good strategy will keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, EPCOT Lightning Lane Strategy, Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, and Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Strategy.

Know what to ride with our guides: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, EPCOT rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our Guide to Blizzard Beach and our Guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.

Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip.